Elara slipped through the trees like a ghost, her footsteps making no sound at all on the soft grass beneath her feet. Her dark red hair caught the last rays of sunlight filtering through the branches, but she kept herself to the shadows anyway. She didn't want to be seen. Not now.
The creek was behind her now, getting further away with each step. The laughter was fading too, becoming distant and muffled by the trees. Aria's laughter. Liora's bright, carefree giggles. Even Kaelan's low chuckle. The sounds twisted something painful in Elara's chest.
She finally stopped when she reached a small clearing, one that was well away from the normal pack paths. Nobody came here much. That's why she liked it. She dropped down onto a fallen log, the bark rough under her hands. Her arms crossed tight over her chest, and her jaw clenched so hard her teeth ached.
